Pond Skimmer

ABSTRACT

Abstract of Disclosure 
     Filtering skimmers for ornamental ponds are provided that more effectively conceal the filtering skimmer to improve the appearance of the ornamental pond, and/or allow a filtering element to be mounted either vertically or horizontally.  The filtering skimmer may include a conduit that projects laterally away from the sidewall of the filtering skimmer and defines a ledge onto which materials may be deposited to conceal the inlet of the filtering skimmer.  In another aspect, an elongated extension tube provides a fluid passageway from an ornamental pond to the filtering skimmer inlet to facilitate better concealment of the filtering skimmer.  In a further aspect, the filtering skimmer has opposing internal channels for retaining a substantially planar filtering element in a vertical orientation, and structure for supporting a filtering element in an alternative horizontal orientation.

Background of Invention

[0001] The invention generally relates to filtering skimmers for anornamental outdoor pond, and more particularly to filtering skimmershaving features that facilitate improved concealment of the filteringskimmer and/or improved flexibility/convertibility in filtering elementorientation.

[0002] It is generally desirable to use a filtering skimmer to removefoliage and other debris from the surface of an ornamental pond andorganic matter from the pond water to control algae growth. This isespecially important when the pond contains fish, such as goldfish orkoi. Use of a filtering skimmer improves the appearance and clarity ofthe pond water and helps maintain a healthy environment for goldfish,koi, frogs, etc.

[0003] Filtering skimmers generally comprise a tub-like enclosure havinga lid. A fluid inlet aperture is provided in a sidewall of theenclosure. The filtering skimmer is generally located adjacent an edgeof the pond with the lower edge of the fluid inlet located below thedesired liquid level of the pond and the upper edge of the fluid inletlocated above the desired liquid level of the pond. To provide a flow ofwater across the pond a pump contained in the enclosure conveys waterpreferably to a location near the opposite edge of the pond. This causeswater in the pond to circulate across the pond and through the filteringskimmer. The current created by the pump causes foliage and other matteron the surface of the pond to enter the fluid inlet of the filteringskimmer. Foliage and similar materials floating on the surface of thepond are typically collected in a bag-like net located at the inlet ofthe filtering skimmer. Water first passes through the inlet aperture,then through the net, and then through the filtering elements beforebeing pumped out of the filtering skimmer. The filtering elementscomprise one or more fibrous mats that are typically supported either ina substantially vertical orientation or in a substantially horizontalorientation.

[0004] A problem with conventional pond filtering skimmers is that,although they are usually partially buried in a berm adjacent the pond,at least the upper section of the filtering skimmer projects aboveground level and is usually clearly visible. This detracts from theaesthetic appeal of the ornamental pond. Attempts to conceal orcamouflage the filtering skimmer have usually been limited to providinga lid with an upper surface designed to simulate the appearance ofpebbles or stones. Unfortunately, even the casual observer cannot helpbut notice the pond filtering skimmer apparatus despite attempts toobscure its presence. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved pondfiltering skimmer apparatus that is better concealed to preserve thebeauty of an ornamental pond.

[0005] Another problem with conventional pond filtering skimmers is thatthey do not permit flexibility/convertibility of the filtering elementorientation. A vertical orientation is desired when ease of removal ofthe filtering element for cleaning or replacement is desired. However, adisadvantage of vertically orienting the filtering element (i.e., sothat the plane of the filtering element is arranged substantiallyperpendicular to a horizontal reference plane) is that the filteringelement requires more frequent cleaning (i.e., plugs up more frequently)due to a lower average hydrostatic head pressure across the surface ofthe filtering element. A substantially horizontally oriented filteringelement (i.e., with the plane of the filtering element arrangedsubstantially parallel to a horizontal reference plane) is lesssusceptible to plugging because there is a higher average hydrostatichead pressure across the surface of the filtering element. However,removal of a horizontally oriented filtering element is more difficult,often involving removal of the bag-like foliage collecting net beforereaching downwardly under water contained in the filtering skimmerenclosure to remove the filtering element.

[0006] Conventional pond filtering skimmers are configured to allow onlya single predetermined orientation of the filtering element either in asubstantially vertical orientation or a substantially horizontalorientation. Therefore, the pond owner must decide in advance whetherease of cleaning with the consequent greater frequency of cleaningneeded for vertical orientation of the filtering element is preferred,or if less frequent cleaning accompanied by more difficult removal ofthe filtering element associated with a horizontal orientation ispreferred.

[0007] Those individuals that are not experienced at maintaining anornamental pond would likely prefer an opportunity to try each of thedifferent filtering element orientations before selecting a preference.Even those individuals that are familiar with both types of filteringskimmers (i.e., those configured for vertical orientation of thefiltering element and those configured for horizontal orientation of thefiltering element) may desire the ability to change their selection offiltering element orientation occasionally.

Summary of Invention

[0008] The invention offers improved filtering skimmers for ornamentalponds that can be more easily and effectively concealed and/orcamouflaged to improve the appearance of the ornamental pond, and/orimproved filtering skimmers that allow a filtering element to be mountedeither substantially vertically or substantially horizontally.

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is providedan improved filtering skimmer for an ornamental pond in which the fluidinlet to the filtering skimmer can be more easily concealed orcamouflaged. The filtering skimmer includes an enclosure defining aninternal chamber containing a pump and a filtering element disposed in afluid pathway between the inlet and the pump. The improvement comprisesa conduit projecting laterally away from the sidewall and the inletaperture and optionally having a flange that defines a lip whichprojects upwardly from an outer edge of the conduit. The conduit definesa ledge onto which pebbles, stones or other materials may be depositedand retained preferably between the sidewall and the lip to conceal theinlet of the filtering skimmer.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a filteringskimmer system for an ornamental outdoor pond includes, in combination,an enclosure defining an internal chamber containing a pump and afiltering element disposed in a fluid pathway between the inlet and thepump, and an elongated extension tube attached to the fluid inlet toprovide a fluid passageway from a pond to the filtering skimmer inlet,whereby the filtering skimmer can be spaced away from the edge of thepond to allow better concealment such as behind plants.

[0011] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there isprovided a convertible filtering skimmer for an ornamental pond whichfacilitates either substantially horizontal or substantially verticalmounting of a filtering element. The filtering skimmer includes anenclosure having substantially upright sidewalls defining an internalchamber with a fluid inlet aperture defined through one of the uprightsidewalls to allow water to flow from an ornamental pond into theinternal chamber. The filtering skimmer contains a pump and a filteringelement disposed in a fluid pathway between the inlet and the pump. Thesidewalls of the filtering skimmer includes opposing internal channelsthat extend longitudinally in a substantially vertical direction forretaining a substantially planar filtering element in a substantiallyvertical orientation in a fluid path between the inlet and the pump. Thefiltering skimmer also includes internal support structure defininghorizontal support surfaces for supporting a planar filtering element ina substantially horizontal orientation in the fluid flow path betweenthe inlet and the pump.

[0012] These and other features, advantages and objects of the presentinvention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled inthe art by reference to the following specification, claims and appendeddrawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013]Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of adecorative pond in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0014]Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a filtering skimmer inaccordance with the invention shown in Fig. 1.

[0015]Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of anornamental pond in accordance with an alternative embodiment of theinvention.

[0016]Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a convertible filtering skimmerwhich facilitates either horizontal or vertical mounting of a filteringelement.

[0017]Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the filtering skimmer shown inFig. 4, with a filter element installed in a substantially horizontalorientation.

Detailed Description

[0018] In Fig. 1, there is shown a schematic cross section of a typicalornamental pond utilizing a pond filtering system including a filteringskimmer. The pond 10 is defined by a pond bed 12. To retain water in thepond bed 12, the bed is typically lined with a liner 14, such as a fishsafe EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene multipolymer) sheet. Other types ofliners, such as concrete liners, may be used if desired. Also, althougha liner is desirable, it is not essential.

[0019] Ornamental ponds include generally any pond that is used aslandscape ornamentation, and includes garden ponds, koi ponds, goldfishponds, frog ponds, etc.

[0020] In general, it is highly desirable to utilize a filtering skimmer16 for removing foliage and other debris floating on the pond surface18, and for filtering organic nutrients from the pond water to controlalgae growth. The filtering skimmer 16 is a tub-like enclosure havingsubstantially upright sidewalls defining an internal chamber containinga sack-like net 20 for collecting foliage and other debris, filterelements 22 for collecting organic nutrients, and a submerged pump 24for circulating filtered water back into the pond.

[0021] For the pond shown in Fig. 1, the filtered water is conveyedthrough a conduit 26 into a tank 28 which is configured to define anoverflow weir 37 that provides a waterfall 38 which enhances aeration(oxygenation) of the pond water. Although desirable, a waterfall 38 isnot necessary, and, as an alternative, filtered water can be pumpeddirectly back into the pond. However, it is generally desirable tointroduce the filtered water back into the pond at a location on theopposite side of the pond from which the filtering skimmer 16 is locatedto create a flow pattern across the pond which helps convey anymaterials floating on the surface of the pond into the filtering skimmer16 where it is collected in sack-like net 20.

[0022] In accordance with an aspect of this invention, the filteringskimmer 16 shown in Fig. 1 is designed with a conduit 30 projectingoutwardly away from the inlet aperture 29 defined in a sidewall 31 ofthe filtering skimmer.

[0023] The filtering skimmer 16 and conduit 30 projecting laterally awayfrom the sidewall 31 at the inlet aperture 29 of the filtering skimmerare shown in greater detail in Fig. 2. The projecting conduit 30 has agenerally square or rectangular cross section with a flat, substantiallyhorizontal upper ledge 32 that can be used for stacking materials, suchas pebbles, stones, rocks or other items 34 (Fig. 1). A flange 35 isprovided on conduit 30 to allow conduit 30 to be bolted to sidewall 31at aperture 29 of skimmer 16. A lip 36 that projects upwardly from theouter edge of ledge 32 may be provided to help retain pebbles, stones,rocks or other items 34 on ledge 32. This allows the filtering skimmer16 to be more effectively concealed and/or camouflaged. For example,stones 34 can be stacked up on ledge 32 (such as shown in Fig. 1) suchthat only the lid 39 of the filtering skimmer 16 is exposed in plainview. The length of conduit 30 (i.e., the distance that conduit 30projects from sidewall 31) is not critical, but is generally about 6inches or less, and typically at least about 2 inches to allow rock,pebbles or the like to be stacked on the ledge.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a pond 110defined by a pond bed 112, and optionally having a pond liner 114, isprovided with a filtering skimming apparatus 116 that is located at asufficient distance from the edge of pond 110 to allow filtering skimmer116 to be concealed from a view of the pond such as by plant 150 locatedbetween an edge 152 of pond 110 and the filtering skimmer 116 (Fig. 3).Filtering skimmer 116 is generally similar to filtering skimmer 16, andincludes a sack-like net 120 for collecting foliage and other debristhat floats on the pond surface 118, a filter element 122 for removingnutrients from the pond water, and a pump 124 for circulating filteredwater back to the pond through conduit 126. As with the embodiment shownin Fig. 1, it is desirable for aesthetic reasons and for improvingaeration of the pond water, but not essential, to pump the filtered pondwater into a tank 128 having an overflow weir 137 that generates awaterfall 138.

[0025] An important difference between the embodiment of the inventionshown in Fig. 3 and conventional ponds utilizing a filtering skimmer isthat the filtering skimmer 116 is more effectively concealed from viewbehind plants 150. This is facilitated by an extension tube 160 that maybe buried under a berm 162. Extension tube 160 may have at opposite endsthereof flanges 161A and 161B that allow tube 160 to be bolted tosidewall 31 at aperture 29 on one end and allow conduct 30 to be boltedto the other end. As with the previously discussed embodiment shown inFig. 2, pebbles, stones, rocks and other items 134 may be deposited onledge 32 to provide very effective concealment of the filtering skimmer116 and extension tube 160. Extension tube 160 may be secured tofiltering skimmer 116 in generally any conventional manner, eitherbefore shipment to its point of use, or more desirably during orimmediately before installation.

[0026] Extension tube 160 may be of generally any length, but ispreferably long enough to position the filtering skimmer a distance fromthe edge of the pond that is sufficient to allow a shrub or other plantto be positioned between the edge of the pond and the filtering skimmerto help conceal the filtering skimmer. A suitable length is at leastabout two feet. The extension tube 160 can be of a standard length suchas two feet and a plurality of extension tubes can be connected (e.g.,bolted) together to provide generally any desired length.

[0027] Operation of skimmers 16 and 116 is generally the same asconventional commercially available filtering skimmers. In generally,the inlet aperture is located at the level of the pond surface 18 or118. To insure that leaves and other matter which are deposited on thepond surface 18, 118 can flow into the filtering skimmer 16, 116, thefiltering skimmer 16, 116 should be buried so that the desired lowerlevel of the pond is at least about 2 inches above the lower edge 80(Fig. 2) of the inlet opening. In addition, the height of the inletopening should be sized so that the upper edge of the inlet opening isequal to or higher than the desired upper level of the pond surface 18,118. As is known in the art, a flapper door 82 is pivotally attached toa horizontal bottom edge of the inlet opening. Flapper door 82 floats inthe water so that movement of water through the inlet opening causes apivoting of the flapper door 82 about the lower edge of the inletopening. When water flows through the inlet into the filtering skimmer,the flapper door 82 pivots to an open position. If water begins to flowfrom the enclosure through the inlet opening back into the pond, theflapper door 82 pivots to a closed position but is not watertight andwill not prevent backflow.

[0028] A sack-like net 20, 120 is disposed within the filtering skimmerand arranged so that water flowing into the filtering skimmer 16, 116through the inlet opining flows into an opening in the net. Net 20, 120is preferably removably attached to the filtering skimmer, such as witha series of hooks, to facilitate easy cleaning of the net 20, 120. Whenwater is flowing into filtering skimmer 16, 116 through the inlet,leaves and other items which are floating on the surface of the waterare carried through the inlet and entrained in net 20, 120, whereby suchleaves and items are removed from the pond.

[0029] To remove water from the filtering skimmer 16, 116 and return itback to the pond, a pump 24, 124 is provided to circulate pond waterthrough the filtering system.

[0030] To filter nutrients out of the pond water after the water hasflowed through net 20, 120, and before the water is pumped back into thepond, a biological filter element 22, 122 is disposed between net 20,120 and pump 24, 124. The biological filter element 22, 122 includes oneor more planar filter mats which provide a large surface area forattachment of filtering bacteria. Many different types of filter matsmay be used in the biological filter elements 22, 122. However,low-density material such as nonwoven polyester/nylon blend filters havebeen found to be particularly efficient. The filtering bacteria may bedeposited on the filter mat by pouring such bacteria directly on themat. Such filtering bacteria may be obtained commercially from any of avariety of sources.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there isprovided a filtering skimmer 216 (Fig. 4) configured to allow afiltering element 220 to be disposed in the filtering skimmer 216 in asubstantially horizontal orientation (i.e., with the substantiallyplanar filtering element being arranged substantially parallel with ahorizontal plane), or to allow a filtering element 22 to be disposed inthe filtering skimmer 216 in a substantially vertical orientation (i.e.,with the planar filtering element being arranged at substantially aright angle with respect to a horizontal plane). The term substantiallyvertical means that the filter is arranged either vertically or at aslight angle with respect to a vertical plane (e.g., at an angle lessthan about 40 degrees, and more typically less than about 20 degreesfrom a vertical plane). Similarly, the term substantially horizontalmeans that the filter is arranged either horizontally or a slight anglewith respect to a horizontal plane (e.g., less than about 40 degrees andmore typically less than about 20 degrees from a horizontal plane. Inthe illustrated embodiment, filtering skimmer 216 is defined by asubstantially horizontal bottom wall 282, substantially verticallyupright front wall 283, substantially vertically upright backwall 284,and substantially vertically upright sidewalls 285 and 286. Specificmeans for facilitating vertical mounting of the filter element 222include vertically recessed channels or grooves 287 in walls 283 and 284to receive a filter holder 288 containing filter 222. Fig. 2 showsfilter 22 mounted in a vertical orientation.

[0032] Alternatively, a removable partition 289 can be inserted intogrooves 287, and filter 220 can be inserted into filtering skimmer 216in a substantially horizontal orientation as shown in Fig. 4. In thiscase, filter holder 288 rests on filter support stand 290.

[0033] In the substantially vertical orientation, removal of the filterholder and filter is extremely easy and involves merely grasping anupper edge of the filter holder and pulling it from the grooves 287.However, a disadvantage with the vertical orientation is that due to arelatively lower average hydrostatic head pressure across the area ofthe filter 222, plugging can cause inadequate flow through the filtermore quickly than with the horizontal orientation wherein the filter 222is exposed to a higher average hydrostatic pressure over the area of thefilter. Thus, the vertical orientation is preferred for ease of filtercleaning/replacement, but requires more frequent cleaning/replacement,and horizontal orientation is preferred for less frequentcleaning/replacement, but requires more effort for cleaning/replacement.In particular, replacement of the filter in the horizontal orientationrequires removal of net 20, and reaching down through the water toremove the filter.

[0034] As best illustrated in Fig. 4, a rigid sidewall support member295 is inserted into opposing vertical channels 296, 298 defined in thesidewalls to stiffen the walls of the filtering skimmer 216 and extendsacross the internal chamber of the filtering skimmer 216, therebypreventing the surrounding earth from deforming the sidewalls inwardlytoward each other when the filtering skimmer 216 is installed in theground. Illustrated support member 295 is comprised of polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe and elbows to form a rectangular closed circuit.

[0035] The above description is considered that of the preferredembodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to thoseskilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention.Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawingsand described above are merely for illustrative purposes and notintended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by thefollowing claims as interpreted according to the principles of patentlaw, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims 1.An improved filtering skimmer for an ornamental pond, thefiltering skimmer including: an enclosure defining an internal chamber,the enclosure having a substantially upright sidewall with a fluid inletaperture defined in the upright sidewall to allow water to flow from anornamental pond into the internal chamber, the filtering skimmercontaining a pump and a filtering element disposed in a fluid pathwaybetween the inlet and the pump, and a conduit projecting laterally awayfrom the sidewall and from the inlet aperture, the conduit having asubstantially horizontal upper wall that defines a ledge onto whichpebbles, stones or other materials may be deposited and retained toconceal the inlet of the filtering skimmer.
 2. 2.The filtering skimmerof claim 1, wherein a lip projects upwardly from an outer end of theconduit to help retain pebbles, stones or other material on the ledge.3.A filtering skimmer for an ornamental pond comprising, in combination:an enclosure defining an internal chamber, the enclosure having asubstantially upright sidewall with a fluid inlet aperture definedthrough the upright sidewall to allow water to flow from an ornamentalpond into the internal chamber, the filtering skimmer containing a pumpand a filtering element disposed in a fluid pathway between the inletand the pump; and an elongated extension tube attached to the fluidinlet to provide a fluid passageway from an ornamental pond to thefiltering skimmer inlet, whereby the filtering skimmer may be spacedaway from an edge of the ornamental pond and the elongated extensiontube can be concealed underground.
 4. 4.A convertible filtering skimmerfor an ornamental pond which facilitates either horizontal or verticalmounting of a filtering element, comprising: an enclosure havingsubstantially upright sidewalls defining an internal chamber, a fluidinlet aperture defined through one of the upright sidewalls to allowwater to flow from an ornamental pond into the internal chamber, thefiltering skimmer containing a pump and a filter element disposed in afluid pathway between the inlet and the pump, the sidewalls of thefiltering skimmer having vertical support structure for retaining asubstantially planar filtering element in a substantially verticalorientation in the fluid flow path between the inlet and the pump, andthe enclosure including internal support structure defining horizontalsupport surfaces for supporting a filtering element in a substantiallyhorizontal orientation in the fluid flow path between the inlet and thepump.
 5. 5.The filtering skimmer of claim 4, wherein the verticalsupport structure includes opposing internal channels that extendlengthwise in a substantially vertical direction. 6.A filtering skimmerfor an ornamental pond, comprising: an enclosure having substantiallyupright sidewalls defining an internal chamber, a fluid inlet aperturedefined through one of the upright sidewalls to allow water to flow froman ornamental pond into the internal chamber, the filtering skimmercontaining a pump and a filter element disposed in a fluid pathwaybetween the inlet and the pump, and a rigid sidewall support memberextending across the internal chamber of the filtering skimmer toprevent the surrounding earth from deforming the sidewalls toward eachother when the filtering skimmer is installed in the ground.